Community Chat

[Yahooey]

If this is a regular gig - showing up everyday or every Monday etc. Write them an email saying you are no longer available. No explanation needed. If this is a date night or special circumstances only, you can still write them an email saying you are no longer available and you are giving them a heads up to make alternate plans in the future.

It doesn't have to be snarky or anything. So in the future, should you change your mind, email them telling them you are available for babysitting services but put some ground rules in effect first. I personally don't think they will follow them. They think your time is not that important based on past incidents.

Good luck to you

[JustJules]

A good friend once told me something at a time when I was letting myself be taken advantage of.... "You're only a doormat when you let people wipe their feet on you." Stand up for yourself, speak your mind. You have nothing to lose, since it seems you are unhappy with this job and the arrangements. Maybe these people are so clueless that they could use the feedback about how they have treated you and been inconsiderate of your time. I would put it all out there.... perhaps they will have a lightbulb moment and appreciate you, and you can move forward with better arrangements. But at the very worst, at least you will have spoken your mind, and you can move on to better jobs knowing you gave your best.

[issiestorm]

On 6/26/2014 nygirl20 said: I went to babysit yesterday and was told that I was watching all 4 kids. I also had to stay 2 hours later than anticipated once again I was given no advanced notice. I was only given $20 more for all of this. I have decided to quit I just don't know how to go about this.

If I were in your place, I would totally enjoy telling them that I was quitting. They don't deserve your consideration. Sound like a bunch of self-centered jerks.

[RainyDayGal]

Tell them you have the time reserved for them and if they cancel like that again you expect to be paid the full amount anyhow.

[JustJules]

This is just me, but I am older and have the luxury of looking back on what I would have done differently when I was younger. If they call you to babysit, for a night out or do they have you babysit during the day while they work? Regardless, let them book your time. Wait until 5 minutes before you are supposed to show up, and call them to cancel. Then tell them you quit because of their shabby behavior.

[151949]

I would definitely make arrangements that there is a fee for cancelling unless you are given a few hours notice at least.When I was working if our patient load was small we would be cancelled - without pay - for the day but they had to call more than 2 hours before the start of the shift or we got 2 hours pay anyway.

[missy1]

Did they ask you if it was ok for them to be 2 hours late? Maybe you had plans.

[MrsSweetieBear]

Send them a bill for your travel time and gas. Professionals from Doctors to Hair Stylists charge for missed appointments. You can do the same and I would.

[gazelle77]

Let them call you to babysit again.....accept.....and 5 minutes before you are scheduled to be there.....call and tell them you can not make it.....ask them how it feels when people are rude like how they treated you. Tell them you are giving them a taste of their own medicine!

[Love my grandkids]

OP,

IMO these people are extremely rude and would not be open to any kind of agreement.

Just get your courage up (it's easy once you do it!), and say "Due to the lousy treatment, I quit. If you want me back, we have to have a written contract signed by all of us."

Trust me, you'll never hear from them again. I'm 66 and know whereof I speak. Best of luck!